System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 967 - 287: Want Them to Stay Alive? (10,000 Words)_4

The disparity in troop numbers was just too vast.

An additional four hundred light infantrymen brought the total strength to a mere thousand.

While not a significant addition, it did offer some improvement to the manor castle's defenses.

If only Lynn had received intelligence about Jon Zuck's plans from Guard Captain Samuel earlier.

When Jon Zuck marshaled his supporters and marched from Kakasong City to assault Morgan Town,

he would have certainly ordered Wesley to evacuate the residents of Morgan Town immediately.

However, the situation had since evolved.

Even if Jon Zuck were to consolidate all his loyalists' forces,

their strength would likely not exceed seven thousand soldiers at best.

Presently, Lynn commanded four thousand two hundred trained warriors!

Setting aside the several hundred soldiers who had yet to be fully outfitted with matching armor and armaments,

all other troops were completely equipped.

Despite a numerical disadvantage of approximately three thousand,

the combined might of heavy cavalry, archers, and the sheer quantity of armor provided a significant edge.

In an open field engagement, Lynn could theoretically counter Jon Zuck's forces head-on by unleashing the archers' volleys, the devastating charges of the heavy cavalry, the relentless frontal assaults of the heavy infantry, and the strategic flanking maneuvers of the light cavalry and infantry.

Yet, Lynn was acutely aware of the immense cost involved in training each soldier.

To mitigate unnecessary casualties and prepare for more formidable future threats,

he prioritized caution, reiterating the need for extreme prudence.

This was because,

the relatively minor Kakasong City did not represent his ultimate ambition!

Through more than a year of persistent dedication, he had successfully laid the initial groundwork for his territory's development.

Having reached this crucial juncture,

he was determined to make a significant impact on this world, regardless of the challenges.

He intended to reveal the true might of his 'iron beasts' and demonstrate the meaning of absolute dominance!

However, true power required a period of strategic quietude before its full release.

Lynn expressed confidence that this phase of dormancy would not persist for an extended duration.

Taking a deep, deliberate breath of the warm air under the sun's intense gaze, Lynn's powerful chest expanded momentarily.

Releasing the air in a steady exhale, Lynn rose from the long bench.

He then returned to the cafeteria kitchen, resolutely continuing his pursuit of enhancing the 'Cooking' skill through diligent practice.

[Cooking Experience +1]

[Cooking Experience +1]

[Cooking Experience +1]

...

As dusk began to settle,

Lynn emerged from the kitchen, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

With a simple mental command, he accessed the 'Heavenly Artifacts' interface for a status update.

[Cooking: Level 3 (736/1000)](＋)

After dedicating several days to honing his 'Cooking' proficiency, his accumulated experience had once again seen a substantial increase.

Closing the interface, Lynn opted not to return Red to the castle immediately.

Instead, he took a leisurely stroll through the open expanse of the Lord's Square.

Several townsfolk, having concluded their evening meals, were engaged in conversation as they ambled along. Upon spotting their Lord, they swiftly offered respectful salutations.

Their greetings were conveyed with utmost deference.

Lynn offered a slight nod in acknowledgment.

With over twenty thousand inhabitants now residing within his domain,

it was naturally impossible for him to recall every individual by name.

However, thanks to the 'Residential Information Panel' and the capability to view each person's detailed profile,

he maintained a clear understanding of everyone's status and current loyalty rating.

The townsfolk who had approached him with such earnestness

predominantly displayed loyalty values exceeding 90%, with a positive upward trend.

This trend was not limited to these specific individuals;

the majority of the townsfolk within his territory now exhibited loyalty ratings above 80%.

This also included

the eight hundred Iron Guards, formerly of Pan Yan City in the Portlands Empire, who had only joined his territory last month,

whose loyalty had subsequently risen to approximately 50%.

The accelerated increase in townsfolk loyalty directly correlated

with their contentment with their current living conditions

and their burgeoning support for him as their rightful Lord.

As Lynn continued his walk,

the distinct sound of approaching footsteps echoed from behind him.

The rhythm was steady and powerful, growing closer with each step,

accompanied by the metallic clatter of chains being dragged across the ground.

The townsfolk engaged in conversation naturally registered the sound,

their brows furrowing slightly as they scanned their surroundings in mild bewilderment.

Within moments,

their attention coalesced on a brawny, middle-aged man, his limbs bound by heavy iron chains.

Possessing broad shoulders, he walked with an upright posture reminiscent of a towering edifice.

Beneath his simple linen vest, his muscles were sculpted like the gnarled roots of an ancient tree.

His exposed arms bore prominently bulging veins.

Upon noticing the fearsome, mouth-like scar marring the middle-aged man's face, the townsfolk quickly averted their gazes.

Although the man kept his head bowed, his eyes fixed on the ground as he proceeded,

the palpable aura of dominance he exuded instilled a subtle sense of apprehension in those nearby.

Two guards escorted the middle-aged man to Lynn's side, addressing him with respect.

Red, stationed as Lynn’s vigilant protector, was already coiled with anticipation, his senses on high alert.

As his personal bodyguard, his duties did not extend to scrutinizing Master Lynn’s pronouncements or actions.

His singular responsibility was: